For many, the cornerstone of vintage Star Wars
collecting is the 1977/78-1985 Kenner line of action figures. Acquiring these figures
carded, with over 100 different figures produced, can be very daunting and is in and of
itself the sole subject of many a collection. In addition, many carded collectors are
beginning to look not only for the figure on a blister card, but specifically the card the
action figure was introduced on. While for some this may mean getting Lando on an Empire
Strikes Back card, to others it means Lando on a 31 back ESB card or even a 31A back ESB
card. It is to these latter collectors, or prospective collectors, that this article is
directed, as there is no literature, other than the cardbacks themselves, that presents
this information. Insofar as determining the specifics of each cardback, Chris Fawcetts
article covers the subject very well and will thus not be dealt with here in any detail.
So if you need to know what a 45A back is go there. If youre looking to see what figure
first appeared on the card youre in the right place.

Star Wars 12 Backs

Technically, the first carded Star Wars action figures
were the four available in the famous Early Bird kit offered in late 1977 and received in
the mail in early 1978. These include Luke Skywalker, R2-D2, Princess Leia, and Chewbacca.
However, most collectors simply do not consider this the first set of carded figures, but
instead the first appearance of Star Wars action figures on an individual card, namely the
12 backs. Initially, only nine of the first 12 were released, though all of the figures
did appear on the back of the card. Death Squad Commander, Jawa and Sandpeople were added
soon after. This accounts for their absence on the Star Wars Action Collectors Stand
offer.

The second series of action figures released with the Star Wars logo
were the 20 backs. It is important to note that the earliest versions of the 20 backs did
not have the Boba Fett mail away offer on them.

The good news is that theres only one 21 back figure to worry about. The bad news is
that its Boba Fett, thus a tough and expensive one to come by. Many collectors dont bother
distinguishing between 20 and 21 backs. Many others do. The 21 backs are the last figures
to appear on a Star Wars card- sort of.

21) Boba Fett Empire Strikes Back

31 Backs

The first ESB action figures appeared on 31 back cards, though the logo first appeared
on re-released 21 backs.

The 32A is the sort-of mentioned earlier, and the return of the 12 back card, though
with a sticker of the later 20 figures slapped over the bottom third. However, the 32nd
figure, Yoda, is of course not available on this card, but the later 32B. In fact, none of
the ESB figures were actually available on this 32A card.

The next set of ESB releases were the 45 backs. Many believe that R2-D2 with
Sensorscope and C-3PO with Removable Limbs are 47 back releases, but they are shown on the
45 backs and were, in fact, first released on this cardback, replacing the earlier
versions of the characters.

The last of the ROJ cardbacks are those with 79 figures pictured on the back. Some
collectors maintain that these two figures turn up more frequently on POTF card, but these
can be found fairly easily.

80) Lumat
81) Paploo

Power of the Force 92 Backs

The POTF logo appeared on 92 back cards only. Also note that one figure, the 93rd, was
not pictured on any cardback, even his own: Yak Face. Also, R2-D2 with Sensorscope
has now been replaced by R2-D2 with Pop- Up Lightsaber.

Kenner also released a series of action figures for both the Droids and Ewoks cartoon
series. However, neither series of figures lasted very long and as a result there is only
one cardback available for each line. Included for the sake of completeness in the Droids
line is Vlix, a character that was only released in Brazil. If you are planning on adding
this one to your carded collection, be prepared to spend a goodly amount of money. Also,
the Boba Fett and A-Wing pilot are not new sculpts but the SW figures repackaged. All
other figures in both lines are new, cartoon likenesses.

There are a couple of figures not listed above that do warrant
mentioning. The first is Blue Snaggletooth. Blue Snag never appeared on a card per se, but
instead came with the earliest version of the Sears Cantina Adventure set. Many consider
him carded if he is still in his Kenner baggie. Others dont really care as long as they
have the figure. Sy Snootles and the Rebo Band were only sold as a set and were never
carded individually. They appear in an ROJ box and include Sy Snootles, Droopy McCool, and
Max Rebo.

Foreign (to U.S.) Packaging

There were also many foreign types of packaging which have not been
mentioned for.